Future skills? Hey ChatGPT...

Bruno Schenk, November 2023

Honestly, I'm less worried about our future than years ago when it comes to the topic of future work and its demand. There are massive shifts happening in all industries, and I believe for some it has only just started. Of course, the devastating wars, conflicts, climate disasters and cyber crimes need to be carefully watched, as they could potentially change our way of doing things over night.

We seem to benefit from the latest technology in many areas, also the questions around ethics and behaviours are incredibly hot topics in the board and executive offices, as machines could take control far beyond what we could or want to imagine. So the human element remains central, or I would even call it the essential part of defining our future.

I asked ChatGPT about future work skills which will be needed by 2030. This prompt created a wonderful summary on the anticipated future skills, knowing that many events might change, accelerate or foster the outlined skills. But I read two main gains out of it:

a) we are becoming even more human oriented and skills like well-being, creativity, emotional intelligence, leadership, ethics, cultures adaptability and working along the generations will become essentials - I like that part, as humanity should be the driver, going forward in a digital, diverse and fast paced world.

b) we are focusing on digital and data literacy which is kind of a no-brainer and will accelerate and shift many industries and job profiles. The advantages of technologies is moving us into a more digital, robotised way of working. As I shared in an earlier post, we should let go of the fear. The Commodore 64 computer introduced in 1982 did not erase the jobs as many believed, it created jobs and we all now know there is a huge shortage of IT skilled people.

Now what did ChatGPT respond to my prompt; "What are the future skills needed by 2030?"

Predicting the future skills needed by 2030 involves considering ongoing trends in technology, globalization, demographic shifts, and societal changes. While specific skill requirements can vary across industries, there are several broad categories where demand is likely to grow:

1. Digital Competency: As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) become more prevalent, the ability to work with digital tools and technology will be crucial. This includes not only basic digital literacy but also skills in managing and interpreting data, programming, cybersecurity, and understanding digital ethics.
2. Technical Specialization: Deep expertise in fields like renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing will likely be in demand as these sectors are expected to grow.
3. Adaptability and Learning Agility: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing environments will be critical. This means being comfortable with uncertainty and change, and having a mindset of continuous learning.
4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: As automation takes over routine tasks, the human workforce will need to tackle more complex problems. Skills in critical thinking, creativity, and innovation will become increasingly valuable.
5. Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence: The importance of soft skills like communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence is expected to grow as these are the skills that machines cannot replicate easily.
6. Global Competency and Cultural Agility: Understanding and being able to operate within different cultural contexts will be crucial in a globalized job market. Language skills may also be beneficial.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Literacy: Knowledge of sustainable practices and environmental science will be important as businesses and governments seek to mitigate the effects of climate change.
8. Leadership and Social Influence: Leadership skills will be needed to navigate the complexities of the future workplace, including the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.
9. Health and Wellness: With a growing focus on well-being, skills in healthcare, fitness, nutrition, and mental health support could be increasingly relevant.
10. Entrepreneurship: As the gig economy expands, the ability to be self-motivated, take initiative, and start new ventures will be beneficial.
11. Project Management: Skills in organizing, managing, and leading projects will be essential, especially as work becomes more project-based.
12. Ethics and Social Responsibility: Understanding ethical considerations in a business and technological context will be key, as will a commitment to social responsibility.

It's important to note that as the future unfolds, some entirely new skills may emerge as critical, and existing skills may evolve. The best preparation for 2030 and beyond is to cultivate a mix of foundational skills, like those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with transferable soft skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning to adapt to the ever-changing landscape.

Keep in mind that the specific skills in demand will vary by industry, location and the evolving needs of society. Therefore, it's advisable to stay updated on industry trends and continuously invest in learning and development to remain competitive in the job market.

While this article reflects a simple and not comprehensive point of view, what skills do you see most important, missing or underestimated? I'm always keen to learn and read from you. Finally, here are some recommendations related to the topic which I can recommend, giving us a nudge moving forward;

The Book "Future Skills" ISBN 978800666355 - Vahlen

Links https://gesda.global - https://www.zukunftsinstitut.de - https://openai.com